Thank you for your support of The Judy Fund.
Dear Family and Friends,

Thanks to you, we met The Judy Fund $100k match! Your generous gifts continue to help advance the Women's Alzheimer's Research Initiative (WARI) in its efforts to investigate the disease that disproportionately strikes women. Because of your support, Alzheimer's researchers are working to unravel the mysteries of the disease and shine a light on why women are more likely to have Alzheimer's — the top priority for The Judy Fund. We are proud to lead landmark funding and support of WARI!
Rachel Buckley, Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Researchers illuminate gender differences in Alzheimer's and dementia
One up-and-coming researcher on the forefront of Alzheimer's sex and gender research is Rachel Buckley, Ph.D., who's supported by your generosity to The Judy Fund. Dr. Buckley will explore how biological sex, accumulation of a protein called tau, and menopause affect women's susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Results from Dr. Buckley's study have the potential to yield knowledge that promises to benefit all people living with or at risk for Alzheimer's.

"The Alzheimer's Association and The Judy Fund have given me an unprecedented opportunity to grow as a researcher and examine cutting-edge questions that will lead to a better understanding of the vulnerability of women to Alzheimer's," Dr. Buckley says. To discuss the disproportionate impact the disease has on females, Dr. Buckley participated in a special panel discussion held in conjunction with the 2021 Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®) — the largest and most influential international meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science.

Lauren Kovach
Alzheimer's Association Ambassador
Alzheimer's Association Ambassadors spur government action
The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, a bipartisan bill to ensure that the Department of Justice's elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, passed Congress unanimously last December. It now awaits the president's signature.

Central to this public policy victory is the Alzheimer's Association Ambassadors program, which marked its first decade of impact in 2020 — thanks to The Judy Fund's early and sustained support. These grassroots volunteer advocates maintain year-round conversations with their elected officials.

"Being part of the Alzheimer's Association Ambassador program has allowed me to have a voice that my Chupe [grandmother] did not have in the 15 years she lived with Alzheimer's," Alzheimer's Ambassador Lauren Kovach says. "Those amazing Ambassadors who are still in the heart of the battle of caregiving remind me every day why we do what we do. We will fight until we one day have that first survivor."

The program now includes Ambassadors for all 535 members of the U.S. Congress, plus 591 new State Champions across the country — with a number of Ambassadors also serving as State Champions.

"Adult guardianship and dementia care training standards are among the many important issues that are addressed by state governments," says John Funderburk, vice president of advocacy for the Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), a separately incorporated advocacy affiliate of the Association. "We are already seeing bills getting passed and are confident that our new State Champions program will be as effective in its first 10 years as its model — the Ambassador program — has been."

Join us in the fight against Alzheimer's at Walk to End Alzheimer's this fall.
The Judy Fund walks to change the face of Alzheimer's disease
As a National Team for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, The Judy Fund had a presence in 22 communities nationwide in 2020, walking in small teams of friends and family in their own neighborhoods or other favorite spots. The Judy Fund's 182 Walk participants took to sidewalks, tracks and trails, raising more than $48,000! This year, the Association is moving forward with plans to host Walk safely in person in the fall, and the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain top priorities.

Walk is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to ending this disease. Because like flowers, participants — like The Judy Fund team members — don't stop when something's in their way. They keep raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit The Judy Fund National Walk Team page today to start or join a team near you and add your flower to the fight.

On behalf of everyone at The Judy Fund and all families affected by Alzheimer's who know that research is the key to ending this disease, thank you for your continued support of The Judy Fund.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns
Chair, The Judy Fund
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Your donation will strengthen our efforts to advance Alzheimer's care, support and research. From face-to-face support to online education programs and promising global research initiatives, your gift makes a difference in the lives of all those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias in your community and across the world. Thank you for your continued support.
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